Exercising apparatus

• US 8,585,556 B2
• Filed: 06/11/2012
• Issued: 11/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael G. Lannon
• Original Assignee: Michael G. Lannon
• Inventors: Spoeth, Carl R. Jr., Pearson, Jeffrey A., Fitzgerald, Jacob
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US13/493,070
• Publication Number:
  US 20120316037A1
• Time in Patent Office: 526 Days
• Field of Search: 482 4- 5, 482/8, 482 93- 94, 482 98-102, 482901-902
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0078 Exercise efforts programmed as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00076 on the fly, i.e. varying the resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0083 of the piston-cylinder type using pneumatic piston-cylinder type force resistors A63B21/0087
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0087 of the piston-cylinder type using hydraulic piston-cylinder type force resistors A63B21/0083
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/063 Weight selecting means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/152 Bowden-type cables
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/156 the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4047 Pivoting movement weight pivoting A63B21/0615
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/24 Angular displacement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/52 : Weight, e.g. weight distribution
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 : Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/065 : within a certain range
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/70 : body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 : calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 : Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03566 : the multiple stations having a common resistance device
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0494 : primarily by articulating the knee joints A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 : for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1263 : Rotation about an axis passing through both shoulders, e.g. cross-country skiing-type arm movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/902 : Employing specific graphic or video display

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interface inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.

Claims

1. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise, comprising:

a frame having a body portion, a base portion and an upper portion;

a load positioned on said frame to provide a resistive force;

a press positioned on said frame for displacement by the operator;

a linkage joining said load with said press for displacing said load upon displacement of said press by the operator;

an arm having a first end coupled to the upper portion of the frame to rotate the arm sideways about the upper portion; and

a user interface device for inputting and outputting data to a processor device and with the user interface rotatably secured to a second end of said arm for pivoting said user interface about said arm.

2. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, wherein said arm defining a generally L-shape.

3. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end; and

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said interior chamber of said support pivot to rotatably mount said support pivot to said upper portion of said frame.

4. An apparatus of claim 3, wherein said support pivot further comprises:

a pin receiver defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end and secured within said interior chamber of said cylindrical body and the pin further traversing through said upper portion of said frame and through said interior chamber of said pin receiver to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame.

5. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a pin receiver defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end and secured within said interior chamber of said cylindrical body;

a first bearing positioned within said first end of said pin receiver;

a second bearing positioned within said second end of said pin receiver; and

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said second bearing and said first bearing of said pin receiver to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame.

6. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a pin receiver defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end and secured within said interior chamber of said cylindrical body;

a first support plate positioned at said first end of said pin receiver and extending between said pin receiver and said support pivot for securing said pin receiver within said interior chamber of said cylindrical body;

a second support plate positioned at said second end of said pin receiver and extending between said pin receiver and said support pivot for securing said pin receiver within said interior chamber of said cylindrical body; and

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said interior chamber of said pin receiver to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame.

7. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said interior chamber of said support pivot to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame;

a stop plate extending from said second end of said cylindrical body; and

a stop pin extending from said top of said frame for contacting said stop plate for terminating rotation of said arm.

8. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said interior chamber of said support pivot to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame;

a first stop surface extending from said second end of said cylindrical body;

a second stop surface extending from said second end of said cylindrical body; and

a stop pin extending from said top of said frame for contacting said first stop surface for terminating rotation of said arm in a first arm position and contacting said second stop surface for terminating rotation of said arm in a second arm position.

9. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said interior chamber of said support pivot to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame;

a brake plate extending from said second end of said cylindrical body; and

a brake extending from said top of said frame for contacting said brake plate for restricting the rotational speed of said arm.

10. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a support pivot, to couple the arm to the upper portion of the frame, the support pivot having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a pin traversing through said top of said frame and through said interior chamber of said support pivot to pivotably mount said support pivot to said top of said frame;

a brake plate extending from said second end of said cylindrical body;

a brake housing having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a closed end and a brake aperture;

a brake pad slidably engaging along the interior chamber of said brake housing;

a brake spring applying a compressive force between said closed end and said brake pad for pressing said brake pad against said brake plate for restricting the rotational speed of said arm.

11. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:

a pivot to couple the arm to the user interface device, the pivot having a bushing bearing neck interposed between a pivot head and a pivot base;

a first bushing and a second bushing rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck;

a base receiver positioned within said user interface for receiving said pivot base of said user pivot;

a keying receiver integral to said base receiver;

a keying mount integral to said pivot base for engaging said keying receiver to lock said user pivot to said user interface;

said pivot head and said bushing bearing neck inserted into said interior chamber of said arm for positioning said first bushing and said second bushing within said arm;

a first fastener securing said first bushing relative to said arm for rotatably pivoting said user pivot relative to said arm; and

a second fastener securing said second bushing relative to said arm for rotatably pivoting said user pivot relative to said arm.

12. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, wherein said arm has a cylindrical body defining a generally L-shape;

said arm having an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end; and

a user pivot having a bushing bearing neck interposed between a pivot head and a pivot base the bushing bearing neck having an interior chamber extending between a first end and second end the pivot head having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end the pivot base having a interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end; and

a first bushing and a second bushing rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck.

13. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a first pivot to couple the arm to the upper portion with the pivot permits the arm to swing about the upper portion from a first side of the upper portion to a second opposing side of the upper portion; and

a second pivot to couple the arm to the user device, the second pivot permitting the user device to pivot about the arm.

14. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a pivot to couple the arm to the user interface device, the pivot having a bushing bearing neck interposed between a pivot head and a pivot base;

said bushing bearing neck having an interior chamber extending between a first end and second end;

said pivot head having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

said pivot base having a interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a first bushing having a generally C-shape extending between a first end and second end for rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck;

a second bushing having a generally C-shape extending between a first end and a second end for rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck;

a base receiver positioned within said user interface for receiving said pivot base of said user pivot;

a keying receiver integral to said base receiver;

a keying mount integral to said pivot base for engaging said keying receiver to lock said user pivot to said user interface;

a base groove integral to said second end of said pivot head;

said base groove defining a first block surface and a second block surface;

a bottom block pin extending from said first end of said first bushing for contacting said first block surface for terminating rotation of said user interface in a first user interface position and contacting said second block surface for terminating rotation of said user interface in a second user interface position.

15. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a seat support coupled to the frame; and

a seat.

16. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 15 wherein a height of the seat support and the seat is adjustable.

17. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 15 wherein a position of the seat support and the seat is adjustable.

18. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, wherein said arm having an interior chamber extending from said user end;

said user pivot having a bushing bearing neck interposed between a pivot head and a pivot base;

a neck slot positioned on said bushing bearing neck;

a neck bushing O-ring engaging said neck slot;

a first bushing and a second bushing rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck;

a upper slot and a lower slot positioned on said first bushing;

an upper slot and a lower slot positioned on said second bushing;

a first bushing O-ring engaging said upper slot of said first bushing and said upper slot of said second bushing for compression against said interior chamber of the arm;

a second bushing O-ring engaging said lower slot of said first bushing and said lower slot of said second bushing for compression against said interior chamber of the arm;

said pivot head and said bushing bearing neck inserted into said interior chamber of said arm for positioning said first bushing and said second bushing within said arm; and

said neck bushing O-ring compressing between said bushing bearing neck and said first bushing and said second bushing for creating a user interface brake for restricting the rotational speed of said user interface.

19. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, wherein said arm has an interior chamber extending from said second end, and a pivot at the second end having a bushing bearing neck interposed between a pivot head and a pivot base;

a first bushing and a second bushing rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck;

a base receiver positioned within said user interface for receiving said pivot base of said user pivot;

a keying receiver integral to said base receiver;

a keying mount integral to said pivot base for engaging said keying receiver to lock said user pivot to said user interface;

said pivot head and said bushing bearing neck inserted into said interior chamber of said arm for positioning said first bushing and said second bushing within said arm;

a first fastener securing said first bushing relative to said arm for rotatably pivoting said pivot relative to said arm;

a second fastener securing said second bushing relative to said arm for rotatably pivoting said pivot relative to said arm;

a boot having an interior chamber extending between a first end and second end; and

said first end of said boot positioned on said arm and said second end of said boot positioned on said user interface device for concealing said pivot.

20. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 1, wherein said arm has an interior chamber extending between the first end and the second end and a pivot at the second end having a bushing bearing neck interposed between a pivot head and a pivot base;

said bushing bearing neck having an interior chamber extending between a first end and second end;

said pivot head having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

said pivot base having a interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a first bushing and a second bushing rotatably engaging said bushing bearing neck;

a base receiver positioned within said user interface for receiving said pivot base of said user pivot;

a keying receiver integral to said base receiver;

a keying mount integral to said pivot base for engaging said keying receiver to lock said user pivot to said user interface;

said pivot head and said bushing bearing neck inserted into said interior chamber of said arm for positioning said first bushing and said second bushing within said arm;

a first fastener securing said first bushing relative to said arm for rotatably pivoting said user pivot relative to said arm;

a second fastener securing said second bushing relative to said arm for rotatably pivoting said user pivot relative to said arm; and

a pivot head cap engaging said first end of said pivot head for coupling electrical conductors traversing from user interface, through said user pivot and out through said arm.

21. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise, comprising:

a frame having a body, a base and a top;

a load positioned on said frame for providing a resistive force;

a press positioned on said frame for displacement by the operator;

a linkage joining said load with said press for displacing said load upon displacement of said press by the operator;

a first seat support having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end, said second end of said first seat support secured to said base;

a second seat support having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end, said second end of said second seat support inserted into said first end of said first seat support for telescoping said second seat support within said interior chamber of said first seat support;

a seat secured to said first end of said second seat support;

a pneumatic cylinder interposed between said first end of said second seat support and said base for supporting said seat at multiple positions; and

a seat actuator secured to said seat for the operator to operate said pneumatic cylinder.

22. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 21, wherein said first end of said first seat support having a first seat bushing and a second seat bushing positioned on opposing sides of said first seat support for slidably engaging said second seat support;

and

said second end of said second seat support having a first seat bushing and a second seat bushing positioned on opposing sides of said second seat support for slidably engaging said first seat support.

23. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 21, wherein said pneumatic cylinder having a shaft slidably engaging a cylinder;

a seat coupler securing said shaft to said seat;

a base coupler securing said cylinder to said base;

said shaft having a valve actuator positioned within said seat coupler for controlling said pneumatic cylinder;

a seat actuator mount for pivotably mounting said seat actuator to said seat;

a seat actuator linkage interposed between said seat actuator and said seat coupler for conveying a displacement of said seat actuator to a displacement of said valve actuator.

24. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 21, wherein said pneumatic cylinder includes a single acting pneumatic cylinder.

25. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 21, wherein said pneumatic cylinder includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder.

26. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise, comprising:

a frame having a body, a base and a top;

said body having a first frame coupling and second frame coupling interposed between said base and said top;

a load positioned on said frame for providing a resistive force;

a press positioned on said frame for displacement by the operator;

a linkage joining said load with said press for displacing said load upon displacement of said press by the operator;

a first backseat support having a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end;

said second end of said first backseat support secured to said first frame coupling;

said first end of said first backseat support secured to said second frame coupling;

a second backseat support having a cylindrical body defining an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end;

a first backseat guide secured to said second frame coupling for slidably engaging said cylindrical body of said second backseat support;

a second backseat guide secured to said second end of said second backseat support for slidably engaging said cylindrical body of said first backseat support;

a backseat secured to said first end of said second backseat support;

a locking plate pivotably engaging said second backseat guide and slidably engaging said cylindrical body of said first backseat support for locking said second backseat guide relative to said first backseat support for supporting said backseat at multiple positions; and

a backseat actuator secured to said second backseat support to operate said locking plate.

27. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 26, wherein said first backseat guide having a first backseat bushing and a second backseat bushing positioned on opposing sides of said first backseat guide for slidably engaging said second backseat support.

28. An apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise as set forth in claim 26, wherein said second backseat guide having a first slide aperture and a second slide aperture in alignment for slidably engaging said cylindrical body of said first backseat support;

said second backseat guide having a first plate aperture and a second plate aperture in alignment;

said first slide aperture and said second slide aperture being generally perpendicular to said first plate aperture and said second plate aperture;

said locking plate having a plate slide aperture for slidably engaging said cylindrical body of said first backseat support;

said locking plate having a first tab and a second tab for inserting into said first plate aperture and said second plate aperture respectively;

a backseat spring interposed between said first backseat support and said locking plate for biasing said plate slide aperture wedged against said first backseat support for terminating said second backseat guide relative to said first backseat support; and

a backseat actuator linkage positioned within said interior chamber of said second backseat support and interposed between said backseat actuator and said first tab of said locking plate for conveying a displacement of said backseat actuator to a displacement of said locking plate.